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The district had the power to label the land a “community asset” despite not owning it. The legislation is meant to protect it on behalf of the local population.

But in reality, all that means is that the sale could be slightly delayed.

On Thursday the outline planning application for the 144 houses – plus a café, visitors’ centre and other improvements for the country park – were submitted by Leicestershire County Council to North West Leicestershire District Council.

Snibston Discovery Park

Later the same day, the district put out a press release entitled: “Opportunity for community groups to launch bids for Snibston land.”

The release stated: “Community groups are being invited to make applications of interest after Leicestershire County Council registered its intention to sell land at Snibston Country Park.

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“The former Snibston Discovery Museum site was registered as an Asset of Community Value by Friends of Snibston before its demolition, and this means groups must be notified of Leicestershire County Council’s intention to dispose of the land.

“Having granted Asset of Community Value status for the Snibston site in September 2014, North West Leicestershire District Council is notifying groups of the current six-week window they have to register their interest.”

If a community group, charity, non-profit company or town council or parish council decides it is up to the challenge of raising a million, the sale will be postponed for six months to allow them to raise the money.

A miner underground at Snibston Colliery in the early 1980s

Groups have until November 14 to state an interest in buying the land.

Dr Terri Eynon, county councillor for the area, told the Mercury: “It was registered as an Asset of Community Value by the Friends of Snibston when the museum was there but I don’t imagine any community groups are itching to buy a derelict site.

“This legislation merely gives community groups a bit of breathing space to gather their funds if they do want to buy it.